Lazio Reportedly Miss Out on Chelsea Wantaway – Turn To Former Man City Midfielder | OneFootball

Lazio have reportedly fallen short in their attempts to sign Cesare Casadei, so they could resort to Ivan Ilic in what would be a merry-go-round operation.

Complex Transfer Saga

The Biancocelesti have been chasing the Chelsea midfielder for weeks in what has turned into one of the most dramatic soap operas of the January transfer session. While some sources insisted Lazio had an agreement in hand with the Blues, Torino have apparently overtaken them in the race after relaunching a new onslaught for the Italy U21 starlet.

Torino Win the Race?

According to Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, the Granata have struck a double coup on the market, securing agreements for both Casadei and RB Leipzig’s Eljif Elmas (who was also linked with Lazio earlier this month).

Lazio Could Resort to Ivan Ilic

Moreover, the transfer market expert reveals that the Aquile have enquired about Torino’s Ilic in recent hours, though they have yet to open talks with their Serie A counterparts. Italian journalist Damiano Er Faina adds that the Serbian’s agent has offered his client’s services to Lazio who would consider the proposal if they were to miss out on Casadei.

The Background on Ilic

Ilic is a Serbia international who started his career at Red Star Belgrad before being poached by Manchester City in 2017. He he been plying his trade in Serie A since joining Hellas Verona in 2020, and then followed his mentor Ivan Juric to Torino in January 2023.

But with Casadei and Elmas reportedly joining the ranks, the 23-year-old could become surplus to requirements in Paolo Vanoli’s midfield department which also includes the likes of Samuele Ricci, Adrien Tameze and Karol Linetty.